The Next Chapter Doesn't Include You Chapter 2

Three rounds in, my friends complained: "I thought you got a girlfriend and forgot about us! Don't ever do that again."

I nodded, assuring them: "Invite me to any party. I'll be there, anytime."

After I started dating Olivia, I put all my focus on her. My job and my life revolved around her. I lost my own social circle. Now, I saw how foolish that was.

I checked my phone. Olivia had declined the money transfer.

I got home around 1 AM. I flipped the light on and saw Olivia sitting on the sofa. I felt a moment of confusion, wondering if I was seeing things.

Olivia saw me drunk and looked disappointed, not offering to help.

She said disdainfully: "Frank, can you try to have some self-respect? If you're jealous, just say so. Drinking like this just makes me look down on you."

My head was spinning. I clung to a chair and sat down.

Olivia smelled the alcohol on me and subtly wrinkled her nose. "I told you I don't like you drinking."

"Luke and I aren't what you think. We're just friends right now. You don't need to get drunk over him."

I clutched my head, slurring: "You're overthinking it... I'm drinking because... I'm happy."

Seeing me like that, her voice became sharp: "Enough! I gave you a chance. What more do you want? Don't push me. My patience is limited. I can't tolerate your endless demands."

My head was pounding. Her voice made it worse. "Stop yelling. I'm going to sleep."

Olivia sighed, calming down, and stood up to help me. But I avoided her. I clung to my last thread of sanity, stumbled into the guest room, and locked the door. I ignored her knocking.

I fell into a deep, peaceful sleep. When I woke up, Olivia was silently watching TV, her face dark. I knew she was angry. But I didn't try to soothe her. I washed up and walked out.